We all have our perfect person in mind; I’m talking to the single people here, but of course, those of us in partnerships know this all too well. For those dreaming of making a switch, just watch the show where they swap partners for a week and I think you will happily stick with your partner!

Ok, all of you who are single, you know who you are, go ahead and recognize yourself. Before we go any further I’d like to mention: no, this is not going to be a dating opportunity. I’m trying to let you connect something here. You all have this mental picture of what type of partner you are looking for, correct? Come on, I know you know your type, might as well admit it.

For the couples and singles alike: what are the qualities that attract you to that perfect person? Is your person articulate? Do they have emotional intelligence? Do you find yourself thinking about factors such as common interests? Perhaps culture is important to you? What details come up when you have that person in mind? Are you wondering if they are into health and fitness? Do they enjoy traveling? Cooking? Dogs? What if they’re allergic to pets? Everything takes focus, drive, and hard work, maintaining real connections even more so.

You’ve identified what you seek, you are single, looking for a partner, but you are home, doing everything except putting yourself out there where you can maximize your chances of meeting sooner. Have you noticed that Mr. or Ms. Charming has not knocked at your door announcing to you that they have arrived? You are comfortable at home taking little to no steps to put yourself exactly where you want to be. Seriously, how many of you are putting yourself out there, mingling, to meet someone? For whatever reason, you know what you would want in a partner, but you find yourself stuck within your inaction. I know some of you are nodding along to this, smiling or laughing because you know I am on to something here. I am smiling as I am typing…

Is it surprising that this is the same thing many people do when it comes to job searching and finding their happy place career wise? They know they want a great job, one that they are happy going to on a daily, with all the perks, but they do not put themselves out. Concealed, underneath the detailed work it takes to go after a dream, lies await, a thrilling journey to self-discovery. You should always be mindful to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Before you know it, you will be working overtime for your goals, busy at your 8-5 and quickly forgetting about the time you spent looking for the opportunity you hold now.

I want you to be happy when you are unemployed, and happy when you are employed. Secure in the version of yourself that you envision at the heights of success. Forget any sense of fear or hardship you face being unemployed, I know the facts are real on the ground and that we need finances to sustain ourselves, but that is not what I’m talking about here. I’m specifically addressing you. Yes, you! I want you to be excited going after what you want. When you take active steps to go after your vision boldly, you’ll find the fulfilling career and lifestyle you seek are right around the corner. Even if you do not have the great career yet or a job, I want you to recognize your value is the same regardless, exceptional.

I’m not an expert on love or dating, but I do know career planning and I feel confident that if you spend time identifying and understanding what it is that you want in a career, you will attain it.

You got this and I got you! Smiles, Leah